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Earn Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is FIU’s process for awarding academic credit for college-level knowledge and skills gained through traditional and non-traditional learning experiences. Whether acquired through prior college coursework, credit-by-exam, military training and occupation, professional certifications or other real-world learning, this allows you to earn credit for what you already know.

Discover how CPL can recognize your prior learning and help you save time and money as you pursue your degree. Don't miss this opportunity to leverage your past experiences for academic success!

Options to Earn CPL

Whether you're returning to college after a long pause, served in the military, and are ready to pursue a college degree, or are looking to gain new knowledge and skills, there are multiple pathways to qualify for CPL.

Adult learners may fit into various categories, so review all available options to understand how you can earn academic credit.

  • Students with an Associate Degree

    Adult learners who have earned an associate degree from a Florida public college or university are awarded a maximum of 60 lower-division credits toward a bachelor’s degree and satisfy the University Core Curriculum (UCC).

    Students with General Education requirements met from another Florida public college or university also satisfy the UCC. These students must submit an official hard copy transcript noting the “Gen Ed Met” designation.

    Transfer students may be required to complete major-specific prerequisites before enrolling in upper-division courses,

    Courses taken at any Florida public college or university are part of a statewide course numbering system. These transfer guides can be a reference for courses that can be awarded when transferring to FIU.

    Note: Students with an associate of science may require 12-15 credits of General Education courses upon transfer to satisfy the UCC.

  • Out-of-State and International Students

    Transfer courses for adult learners from institutions outside Florida or with international coursework are evaluated individually to determine how they satisfy the University Core Curriculum (UCC).

    Students whose courses satisfy the UCC will receive lower-division credit (maximum of 60 credits) toward a bachelor's degree.

    Transfer rules may already exist for your institution. Search for your institution using the Transfer Equivalency Database. Review our Transfer Equivalency Process for more information about course equivalency.

    Students with international coursework

    International students should meet with FIU International Admissions to review the content of their transfer courses as early as possible.

    Visit Transfer International Admissions to learn about English language proficiency requirements, translation and evaluation of foreign credentials, syllabi/course outlines to submit and application deadlines.

  • Military Training and Occupation

    Military training is reviewed and considered as a potential equivalent to courses that may satisfy the University Core Curriculum (UCC). These credits are included in students’ personalized Transfer Credit Report under “Military Schooling.”

    College credit can be awarded for military experience using official transcripts and resources such as:

    Passing scores on the College Level Examination Program, DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), and Defense Language Proficient Test (DLPT) are taken from the JST and included as “Test Credits."

    The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs is dedicated to helping adult learners with VA educational benefits understand and meet the credit certification process. Their staff of veterans has the knowledge and experience to help student veterans thrive at FIU.

  • Credit-by-Exam

    Credit-by-exam allows adult learners to accelerate their studies by earning college credit through examination.

    FIU recognizes national standardized exams in specified disciplines for awarding credit. Passing scores satisfy FIU University Core Curriculum (UCC) requirements, prerequisites for some majors, electives and foreign languages.

    See the exams that qualify for academic credit

  • ACE Learning Evaluations

    The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates competency-based courses offered by online education providers and makes recommendations for college credit. Recommendations are valid for a set time frame, depending on the subject area and industry standards.

    Adult learners taking ACE-evaluated courses are awarded academic credit toward a bachelor’s degree. These courses help adult learners satisfy any missing University Core Curriculum (UCC) requirements.

    See our list of ACE-evaluated courses

Start Today

Unlock the potential of your past experiences and fast-track your college journey. Take the first steps of your FIU journey now and convert the knowledge you've already gained into valuable college credits.

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